Danny Rose has said he believes the Europa League has had a big negative effect on Tottenham’s season ahead of tonight’s tie with Benfica – as Spurs look to overturn a 3-1 deficit in Lisbon.

Rose is quoted in the London Evening Standard, saying: “Look at Liverpool – they’ve played one game a week for much of the season because they’re not in Europe, and they’re challenging for the title. It’s hard to argue that playing one game a week isn’t better than playing two or three.

“In terms of the Europa League, though, it’s a lot better that winning it next season will bring qualification for the Champions League. At least there is that incentive to do well."

Nacer Chadli has told the Tottenham website that it is possible for Spurs to reach the last eight of the Europa League this evening, despite leaving themselves a mountain to climb.

Chadli said: “We have the quality to win and we’ll go for it. We’ll see what happens. Playing at Benfica isn’t easy for any team but we have to score those goals and score as soon as possible. If we can do that, we might have a chance.

"We can’t give up because we still have 90 minutes to fix it and we will believe until the last minute."

Glenn Hoddle has criticised a lot of the club’s signings from the summer at White Hart Lane, and has said it is proof that throwing money at new signings isn’t always the answer.

The Daily Express has picked up on interview with Bleacher report, where Hoddle said: “The club have had limited success in recent years, and I cannot put my finger on why, but it is an issue that needs addressing.

"Throwing money at signings and changing managers isn't always the answer, and there needs to be a better strategy going forward to provide more stability.”

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.